Automated specimen processing systems and methods of detecting specimen-bearing microscope slides

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods that enable automated processing of specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. In some embodiments, the system can include, for example, a slide ejector assembly having a slide staging device configured to receive a slide and an over-travel inhibitor that includes a first vacuum port positioned to draw a first vacuum between the slide and a standby platform as the slide is moved across at least a portion of the standby platform. The over-travel inhibitor includes a first sensor for detecting a presence of the slide on the standby platform. The system can also include a transfer assembly to transport slides away from the slide ejector assembly. The transfer assembly can include a floating transfer head having a vacuum port for drawing a partial vacuum for holding the slide.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of International PatentApplication No. PCT/EP2015/064334 filed Jun. 25, 2015, which claimspriority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/018,407, filed Jun. 27, 2014. Each of the above patent applicationsis incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to systems for preparing specimens for analysis.In particular, the disclosure relates to specimen processing systems andmethods of processing specimens.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of techniques have been developed to prepare and analyzebiological specimens. Example techniques include microscopy, microarrayanalyses (e.g., protein and nucleic acid microarray analyses), and massspectrometric methods. Specimens are prepared for analysis by applyingone or more liquids to the specimens. If a specimen is treated withmultiple liquids, both the application and the subsequent removal ofeach of the liquids can be important for producing samples suitable foranalysis.

Microscope slides bearing biological specimens, e.g., tissue sections orcells, are often treated with one or more dyes or reagents to add colorand contrast to otherwise transparent or invisible cells or cellcomponents. Specimens can be prepared for analysis by manually applyingdyes or other reagents to specimen-bearing slides. This labor-intensiveprocess often results in inconsistent processing due to individualtechniques among laboratory technicians.

Immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization staining processes areoften used to prepare tissue specimens. The rate of immunohistochemicaland in situ hybridization staining of sectioned fixed tissue on amicroscope slide is limited by the speed at which molecules (e.g.,conjugating biomolecules) can diffuse into the fixed tissue from anaqueous solution placed in direct contact with the tissue section.Tissue is often “fixed” immediately after excision by placing it in a10% solution of formaldehyde, which preserves the tissue fromautocatalytic destruction by cross-linking much of the protein viamethylene bridges. This cross-linked tissue may present many additionalbarriers to diffusion, including the lipid bilayer membranes thatenclose individual cells and organelles. Conjugate biomolecules(antibody or DNA probe molecules) can be relatively large, ranging insize from a few kilodaltons to several hundred kilodaltons, whichconstrains them to diffuse slowly into solid tissue with typical timesfor sufficient diffusion being in the range of several minutes to a fewhours. Typical incubation conditions are 30 minutes at 37 degreescentigrade. The stain rate is often driven by a concentration gradientso the stain rate can be increased by increasing the concentration ofthe conjugate in the reagent to compensate for slow diffusion.Unfortunately, conjugates are often very expensive, so increasing theirconcentration is wasteful and often not economically viable.Additionally, the excessive amount of conjugate that is driven into thetissue, when high concentrations are used, is entrapped in the tissue,is difficult to rinse out, and causes high levels of non-specificbackground staining. In order to reduce the noise due to non-specificbackground staining and increase the signal of specific staining, lowconcentrations of conjugate with long incubation times are often used toallow the conjugate to bind only to the specific sites.

OVERVIEW OF TECHNOLOGY

Some aspects of the technology are directed, for example, to automatedspecimen processing systems and methods of detecting and transportingspecimen-bearing microscope slides in automated processing systems. Inat least some embodiments, the system can include an ejector assemblyhaving a slide staging device configured to receive a slide. The ejectorassembly can include, for example, an over-travel inhibitor thatincludes a vacuum port positioned to draw a vacuum between the slide anda standby platform as the slide is moved across at least a portion ofthe standby platform. In one embodiment, the over-travel inhibitor caninclude a sensor for detecting a presence of the slide on the standbyplatform. The sensor can, for example, detect an increase in pressurefrom a baseline pressure when the slide is present on the standbyplatform.

Other embodiments of the technology are directed to a slide stagingdevice that can include a standby platform configured to receive amicroscope slide. The slide staging device can also include a firstvacuum assembly configured to draw a first vacuum to retain themicroscope slide on the standby platform. The first vacuum assembly caninclude, for example, and first sensor for detecting the presence of themicroscope slide on the standby platform. The system can also include atransfer head configured to transport microscope slides from the standbyplatform to a specimen processing station. The transfer head, in someembodiments can have a second vacuum assembly configured to draw asecond vacuum between the microscope slide and the transfer head. Thesecond vacuum assembly can include, for example, a second sensor fordetecting the presence of the microscope slide at a bottom surface ofthe transport head. The system can further include a controller incommunication with the first and second vacuum assemblies.

Further embodiments of the present technology are directed to methods ofdetecting specimen-bearing microscope slides in an automated processingsystem. In one embodiment, the method can include sequentially moving aplurality of specimen-bearing microscope slides from a carrier to aslide staging device. The method can further include drawing a vacuumfrom a pressurization source through a vacuum port in a standbyplatform, and sensing a presence of individual specimen-bearingmicroscope slides at the standby platform when a vacuum sensor detectsan increase in vacuum pressure between the vacuum port and thepressurization source.

At least some embodiments of the technology are directed to automatedspecimen processing systems capable of processing specimens carried onslides. At least some embodiments include an automated specimenprocessing system comprising a slide ejector assembly. The slide ejectorassembly can include a slide staging device configured to receive aslide. The slide ejector assembly can also include a slide alignmentdevice configured to engage the slide at a plurality of contact pointsto move the slide from a misaligned position to an aligned position. Inone embodiment, the slide alignment device can include a first aligningmember and a second aligning member positioned opposite the firstaligning member. The first and second aligning members can be movablebetween an open position for receiving a slide and a closed position foraligning and/or holding the slide.

The first aligning member, in some embodiments, can include a firstcontact region and a second contact region for engaging a first edge ofthe slide. The second aligning member, in some embodiments, can includea third contact region for engaging a second edge of the slide oppositethe first edge. In various embodiments, the slide alignment device isconfigured to engage the slide at three points of contact. In oneexample, a point of contact can be a small discrete area of the slidecontacted by one of the first, second, or third contact regions. In oneembodiment, the slide can be moved from the misaligned position to thealigned position on a standby platform by pivoting the slide about apoint (e.g., a midpoint) between the three points of contact. In anotherembodiment, moving the slide from the misaligned position to the alignedposition includes aligning a slide longitudinal axis with a standbyplatform longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, an over-travel inhibitor and a slide holding regionpositioned between the over-travel inhibitor and slide ejector. Theover-travel inhibitor can be positioned, for example, to inhibitmovement of the slide past the slide holding region. In one embodiment,the over-travel inhibitor includes a vacuum port positioned to draw avacuum between a slide and the standby platform as the slide is movedacross at least a portion of the standby platform. In anotherembodiment, the over-travel inhibitor can include a sensor for detectinga presence of the slide on the standby platform.

At least some embodiments of the automated specimen processing systeminclude at least one specimen processing station and a transfer headconfigured to transport slides from a standby platform to specimenprocessing station. The transfer head, in one embodiment, can include ahead alignment feature receivable by at least one of a correspondingalignment feature of the slide staging device and/or an alignmentfeature of the specimen processing station. In one embodiment, the headalignment feature includes a first alignment pin and a second alignmentpin and the corresponding alignment feature of the slide staging deviceincludes a first opening and a second opening positioned to receive thefirst alignment pin and the second alignment pin, respectively. Thetransfer head, in further embodiments, can include a capture featureconfigured to engage the slide and transport the slide in the alignedposition. For example, the capture feature can include a vacuum portpositioned to draw a vacuum between an upper surface of the slide andthe transfer head as the slide is transported.

At least some embodiments of an automated specimen processing systeminclude a controller communicatively coupled to the slide ejectorassembly. The controller, for example, can be programmed to command theslide alignment device to move the first aligning feature in a firstdirection toward a standby platform and to move a second aligningfeature in a second direction opposite the first direction toward thestandby platform to engage a slide at a plurality of contact points tomove the slide. The controller can also be programmed to command theslide alignment device to move the first aligning feature in the seconddirection and the second aligning feature in the first direction torelease the slide in the aligned position. In another embodiment, thecontroller can be programmed to control a transfer head to align withthe slide staging device and to transport the slide from the standby toa specimen processing station.

At least some of the embodiments of the technology are directed to anautomated specimen processing system comprising a slide staging deviceand a transfer head. In one embodiment, the slide staging device caninclude a standby platform configured to receive a microscope slide andan alignment device having a first aligning member and a second aligningmember positioned opposite the first aligning member. The alignmentdevice, in some embodiments, is configured to engage the microscopeslide at a plurality of contact points for moving the slide from amisaligned position to an aligned position. In some arrangements, thetransfer head can be configured to transport microscopes slides from thestandby platform to a specimen processing station. The transfer head,for example, can have a head alignment feature receivable by at leastone of a corresponding alignment feature of the slide staging deviceand/or an alignment feature of the specimen processing station. Invarious embodiments, the first aligning member can have a first contactregion and a second contact region for engaging a first edge of themicroscope slide, and the second aligning member can have a thirdcontact region for engaging a second edge of the microscope slideopposite the first edge.

Some of the embodiments of the technology are directed to methods oftransporting specimen-bearing microscope slides in an automatedprocessing system. In one embodiment, the method comprises sequentiallymoving a plurality of specimen-bearing microscope slides from a carrierto a slide staging device. The individual specimen-bearing microscopeslides can be aligned with a longitudinal axis at the slide stagingdevice by engaging the individual specimen-bearing microscope slides ata plurality of contact points. Optionally, after moving individualspecimen-bearing microscope slides from the carrier to the slide stagingdevice, a vacuum is drawn through an over-travel inhibitor to capturethe specimen-bearing microscope slide on a standby platform of the slidestaging device, and detecting the presence of the slide on the standbyplatform. In some embodiments, the method further includes transportingthe individual specimen-bearing microscope slides from the slide stagingdevice to one or more specimen processing stations.

In some embodiments, transporting individual specimen-bearing microscopeslides includes aligning a transfer head of a transport assembly withthe slide staging device and picking up the individual specimen-bearingmicroscope slides from the slide staging device while maintaining thealigned position. In other embodiments, prior to transporting theindividual specimen-bearing microscope slides, alignment features of atransport assembly can be aligned with corresponding alignment featuresat the slide staging device. In further embodiments, transporting theindividual specimen-bearing microscope slides includes drawing a vacuumbetween the individual specimen-bearing slides and a transport assemblyconfigured to transport the specimen-bearing slides to the one or morespecimen processing stations.

At least some embodiments of the technology are directed to an automatedslide processing apparatus configured to apply at least one reagent to aspecimen carried by a microscope slide. A slide processing station caninclude a support element with a support surface, at least one port, anda sealing member having a non-round shape (e.g., as viewed from above).The sealing member can be moveable between an uncompressed state and acompressed state. In the uncompressed state, the sealing member canextend upwardly beyond the support surface. In the compressed state, thesealing member can be configured to maintain a seal with a backside ofthe microscope slide as the microscope slide is urged against thesupport surface by a vacuum drawn via the at least one port. The sealingmember, in some embodiments, can have a rounded-corner rectangular shape(e.g., a shape with rounded corners with radii less than the lengths ofstraight sides) or a rectangular shape as viewed from above. In oneembodiment, the sealing member has a rounded-corner polygonal shape or apolygonal shape as viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to thesupport surface.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the support element can havea non-round shape and can extend between the sealing member and the atleast one vacuum port. In one embodiment, the support element includes atrench, and the sealing member includes a compliant gasket having a mainbody and a lip. The main body can be positioned in the trench, and thelip can extend radially outward from the main body. In some embodiments,the lip can be moveable between a compressed configuration and auncompressed configuration. In the uncompressed configuration, the lipcan extend upwardly from the trench. In the compressed configuration,the lip can extend toward a sidewall of the trench. In one embodiment,the lip is movable between the uncompressed configuration and thecompressed configuration without contacting the sidewall of the trench.When the microscope slide is drawn against the support surface, the lipcan be spaced apart from a sidewall of the trench but capable ofphysically contacting the sidewall of the trench to inhibit movement ofthe microscope slide relative to the support element. In one embodiment,the lip is sufficiently stiff to prevent any rotation of the slide abouta vertical axis. As such, the slide is rotationally fixed relative tothe support surface. In one embodiment, the lip is configured tophysically contact the sidewall when the microscope slide is rotated atleast about 2 degrees about a vertical axis.

The sealing member in the compressed configuration can be positioned onone side of a plane in which a backside surface of the microscope slideis located when the microscope slide is pulled against the supportsurface. In the uncompressed configuration, the sealing member can belocated on both sides of the plane. The support element can include avacuum surface surrounded by at least one vacuum port. The vacuumsurface can be spaced apart from and positioned below the plane suchthat the vacuum surface and the microscope slide at least partiallydefine a vacuum chamber with a height less than a height of the sealingmember.

In some embodiments, the sealing member can include a lip configured todeflect primarily in a direction perpendicular to a backside surface ofthe microscope slide during use. The lip can be movable between anuncompressed configuration for contacting the slide moving toward thesupport surface and a compressed configuration for maintaining anairtight seal. In the uncompressed position, the lip can extend upwardlybeyond the support surface. In the compressed position, the lip can bepositioned at or below the support surface. In some embodiments, the lipcan be configured to be deflected as the microscope slide moves towardthe support surface to form the airtight seal with the slide. Thesealing member, in some embodiments, can be positioned to be locatedunder a label of the microscope slide during use.

In some embodiments, the automated slide processing system includes asensor, such as a vacuum sensor, configured to detect the presence of aslide on the support element. For example, the vacuum source can befluidly connected with a vacuum inlet associated with any one of aplurality of slide carrying surfaces, including, but not limited to, theslide ejector assembly, the transport assembly, on more specimenprocessing stations, and the specimen return mechanism. The vacuumsource and/or the inlet may include a sensor, such as a pressure orvacuum sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor can be calibrated to abaseline pressure and configured to report an increase in vacuumpressure as indicative of slide presence on the support element.Likewise, a subsequent decrease in vacuum pressure detected by thesensor can be reported by the sensor as indicative of slide absence(e.g., due to transfer) from the support element. Positive indication ofthe presence of a slide in any one of several locations within theautomated processing system can ensure that automated steps arecompleted before a next round of automated activity is initiated.

At least some embodiments include a specimen processing systemcomprising a slide ejector assembly for removing slides from a slidecarrier. The slide ejector assembly includes a carrier handler, a slidestaging device, and an actuator assembly. The carrier handler isconfigured to receive and hold a slide carrier holding a plurality ofslides. The slide staging device includes a standby platform and a slidealignment device configured to move a slide at the standby platform froma misaligned position to an aligned position. The actuator assemblyincludes a slide ejector positioned to move relative to the slidecarrier to transfer individual slides from the slide carrier to thestandby platform. The slides can thus be transferred to the standbyplatform without the use of, for example, mechanical gripper or suctioncup devices that pull slides from one location to another location.

The carrier handler, in some embodiments, is configured to move theslide carrier relative to the slide ejector so as to sequentially stageone of the slides for delivery to the standby platform. In someembodiments, the carrier handler includes a carrier receiver and areceiver rotator. The receiver rotator is capable of rotating the slidecarrier from a vertical slide orientation to a horizontal slideorientation. In one embodiment, the carrier handler includes a carrierreceiver movable between a load position for loading a slide carrier anda slide unload position. The carrier handler can comprise a receiverrotator and a transport device. The receiver rotator is coupled to thecarrier receiver and is operable to move the slide carrier held by thecarrier receiver from a vertical slide orientation to a horizontal slideorientation. The transport device is configured to vertically move theslide carrier, which is in the horizontal slide orientation, between theslide ejector and the standby platform.

The slide staging device, in some embodiments, includes an ejector stoppositioned to prevent movement of the slide ejector past an end of aslide holding region of the standby platform. The slide ejector can bemovable from a first position to a second position. In some embodiments,the slide ejector moves through the slide carrier to push slides out ofthe slide carrier.

The standby platform can include a slide holding region and anover-travel inhibitor. The slide holding region is positioned betweenthe over-travel inhibitor and the slide ejector. The slide ejector ispositioned to move slides one at a time from the slide carrier towardthe over-travel inhibitor. In some embodiments, the over-travelinhibitor includes a vacuum port positioned to draw a vacuum between aslide and the standby platform as the slide is moved by the slideejector across at least a portion of the standby platform.

The slide alignment device, in some embodiments, includes a pair of jawsmovable between an open position for receiving a slide and a closedposition for aligning the slide. In one embodiment, the jaws center theslide relative to a raised slide holding region of the standby platformwhen the jaws move from the open position to the closed position.

The actuator assembly includes a reciprocating drive mechanism coupledto the slide ejector and configured to move the slide ejector so as topush a slide out of the slide carrier and onto the standby platform. Insome embodiments, the slide ejector is moveable across a slide carrierreceiving gap that is between the actuator assembly and the slidestaging device.

The specimen processing system, in some embodiments, can further includeone or more specimen processing stations and one or more transfer heads.The transfer heads can be configured to transport slides from thestandby platform to one of the specimen processing stations. In someembodiments, at least one of the transfer heads can have a headalignment feature receivable by at least one of an alignment feature ofthe slide staging device and/or an alignment feature of the specimenprocessing station. In some embodiments, the head alignment featureincludes a first alignment pin and a second alignment pin. The alignmentfeature of the slide staging device can include a first opening and asecond opening. The first opening and the second opening are positionedto receive the first alignment pin and the second alignment pin,respectively. In some embodiments, the alignment feature of the specimenprocessing station can include a first opening and a second opening, andthe first opening and the second opening are positioned to receive thefirst alignment pin and the second alignment pin, respectively, of thehead alignment feature.

The specimen processing system, in some embodiments, can further includea controller communicatively coupled to the slide ejector assembly. Thecontroller can be programmed to command the actuator assembly to move afirst slide that is positioned below a second slide from the slidecarrier to the standby platform and being programmed to move the secondslide to the standby platform after moving the first slide to thestandby platform.

In some embodiments, a method of transporting specimen-bearingmicroscope slides includes delivering a carrier containing a pluralityof specimen-bearing microscope slides to an ejector assembly. Thecarrier moves toward a slide staging device of the ejector assembly. Thespecimen-bearing microscope slides are sequentially moved from thecarrier to the slide staging device. The slide staging device moves froma receive slide configuration to an align slide configuration to movethe individual specimen-bearing microscope slides at the slide stagingdevice to an aligned position. The individual specimen-bearingmicroscope slides are transported from the slide staging device of theejector assembly to one or more specimen processing stations.

The carrier, in some embodiments, can be rotated to move the pluralityof specimen-bearing microscope slides from a first orientation to asecond orientation. In some embodiments, the first orientation is asubstantially vertical orientation and the second orientation is asubstantially horizontal orientation.

The specimen-bearing microscope slides, in some embodiments, can besequentially moved from the carrier to the slide staging device bypushing the specimen-bearing microscope slides onto and along the slidestaging device. Additionally or alternatively, a lowermostspecimen-bearing microscope slide held by the carrier to the slidestaging device. This process can be repeated until most or all of theslides have been removed from the slide carrier.

In certain embodiments, individual specimen-bearing microscope slidescan be carried from the slide staging device to the specimen processingstations which are configured to individually process thespecimen-bearing microscope slides. Additionally or alternatively, thespecimen-bearing microscope slides can be sequentially moved from thecarrier to the slide staging device by moving a first specimen-bearingmicroscope slide from the carrier to the slide staging device. Aftertransporting the first specimen-bearing microscope slide away from theslide staging device, a second specimen-bearing microscope slide istransported from the carrier to the slide staging device.

The slide staging device, in some embodiments, can be moved from thereceive slide configuration to the align slide configuration by moving apair of jaws from an open position to a closed position to contact andmove a specimen-bearing microscope slide positioned between the jawsfrom a misaligned position to an aligned position. In certainembodiments, the jaws can center the slide relative to a raised portionof the slide stage device upon which the slide rests.

The specimen-bearing microscope slides, in some embodiments, aresequentially moved from the carrier by (a) pushing the specimen-bearingmicroscope slide at the slide ejection position such that thespecimen-bearing microscope slide moves onto the slide staging deviceand (b) repeating process (a) until the carrier is empty. In oneembodiment, an elongated ejector is moved through the carrier (e.g., abasket) to push the slides onto the slide staging device.

A vacuum can be drawn between the individual specimen-bearing microscopeslides and the slide staging device. For example, a sufficient vacuumcan be drawn to inhibit or limit movement of the slide along the slidestaging device. The vacuum can be reduced or eliminated to remove theslide from the slide staging device.

The carrier, in some embodiments, is a slide rack that includes shelvesthat hold specimen-bearing microscope slides in a spaced apartarrangement. The specimen-bearing microscope slides can be sequentiallymoved from the carrier to the slide staging device by indexing theshelves at a slide removal position adjacent to a platform of the slidestaging device. In some embodiments, a slide at the slide removalposition is slightly higher than the slide staging device.

The specimen-bearing microscope slides can be sequentially moved fromthe carrier by (a) reciprocating a slide ejector between an initialposition and an eject position to move at least one of thespecimen-bearing microscope slides from the carrier to the slide stagingdevice and (b) repeating process (a) to remove at least most of thespecimen-bearing microscope slides from the carrier. In someembodiments, all the specimen-bearing microscope slides are removed fromthe carrier using the slide ejector.

In some embodiments, a slide processing apparatus for processing aspecimen carried by a slide includes a staining module. The stainingmodule includes a slide holder platen, an opposable element, and anopposable actuator. The slide holder platen has a first sidewall, asecond sidewall, and a slide receiving region between the first sidewalland the second sidewall. A slide is positioned on the slide receivingregion. The slide includes a first edge and an opposing second edge. Theopposable element is disposed proximate to the slide and includes afirst edge portion and an opposing second edge portion. The opposableactuator holds the opposable element to form a capillary gap between theopposable element and the slide. The first edge portion of the opposableelement is closer to the first sidewall than the first edge of theslide. The second edge portion of the opposable element is closer to thesecond sidewall than the second edge of the slide.

The slide processing apparatus, in some embodiments, includes adispenser positioned to deliver a supplemental liquid between theopposable element and the slide while a liquid is held in the gap therebetween. Additionally, the slide processing apparatus can include acontroller communicatively coupled to the dispenser and programmed tocommand the dispenser such that the dispenser delivers the supplementalliquid to keep a volume of liquid between the opposable element and theslide within an equilibrium volume range. In some embodiments, thecontroller is programmed to deliver supplemental liquid at apredetermined rate. In one embodiment, the predetermined rate is equalto or less than about 110 μL per minute at a temperature of about 37° C.for bulk liquids. In some embodiments, the predetermined rate is equalto or less than about 7 μL per minute at a temperature of about 37° C.for non-bulk reagents. The rate can be selected based on the specimenstaining protocol being processed.

The slide processing apparatus, in some embodiments, further comprises aplurality of additional staining modules and a controller configured toindependently control each of the staining modules. The staining modulescan use disposable or reusable opposable elements to spread and movereagents across the specimens.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with referenceto the following drawings. The same reference numerals refer to likeparts or acts throughout the various views, unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1A is an exploded isometric view of a specimen processing system.Portions of a protective housing are shown removed.

FIG. 1B is an isometric view of the slide holding area and portions ofthe specimen return mechanism of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is an isometric view of a vacuum system on the specimen returnmechanism shown in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a portion of the specimen processing systemof FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a slide ejector assembly in accordancewith an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the slide ejector assembly of FIG. 3 withprotective plates shown removed.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are side views of the slide ejector assembly of FIG. 3with a slide carrier shown in different vertical positions.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a slide staging device of a slide ejectorassembly with a slide ready to be removed in accordance with anembodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an empty slide staging device inaccordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are top plan views of a slide staging device with analignment device in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosedtechnology.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are isometric views of a slide ejector assembly with aprotective plate shown removed.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the slide ejector assembly of FIGS. 11 and12.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a slide staging device of a slideejector assembly with a slide ready to be removed in accordance withanother embodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the slide staging device of FIG. 14illustrating components of an alignment device in accordance with anembodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are top plan views of a slide staging device with analignment device in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosedtechnology.

FIGS. 16C and 16D are enlarged views of the alignment device of FIG.16B.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are side views of a slide staging device and a transferassembly in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 18A is an isometric view of a slide staging device and a transferassembly in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 18B is an isometric view of a specimen processing station and thetransfer assembly of FIG. 18A in accordance with an embodiment of thedisclosed technology.

FIG. 18C is an isometric view of the transfer assembly of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a method for transferring aspecimen slide using the specimen processing system in accordance withan embodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a transport assembly and a specimenprocessing station in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosedtechnology.

FIG. 21 is a side view of a transport assembly ready to deliver anopposable and a slide to a specimen processing station in accordancewith an embodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 22A is a front, top, left side isometric view of a slide holderplaten holding a slide in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosedtechnology.

FIG. 22B is a front, top, left side isometric view of the slide holderplaten of FIG. 22A ready to hold a slide in accordance with anembodiment of the disclosed technology.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a slide holder platen in accordancewith an embodiment of the disclosed technology, shown holding a slide.

FIG. 24 is a top view of the slide holder platen shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the slide holder platen in accordancewith the disclosed technology, shown without a slide.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the slide holderplaten before the slide has engaged the sealing member.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the slide holderplaten after the slide has been positioned on the slide holder platen.

FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of a portion of the slide holder platenshown in FIG. 27.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an isometric exploded view of the specimen processing system100 including a processing station 163, a slide ejector assembly 200, anopposable dispenser 380, and a specimen return mechanism 157. Theprocessing station 163, the slide ejector assembly 200, and theopposable dispenser 380 are positioned at the left side of an internalenvironment 121. The specimen return mechanism 157 is positioned at theright side of the internal environment 121. A mixing station 165 ispositioned generally below the specimen return mechanism 157 and caninclude reservoirs (e.g., reservoir wells). Reagents can be mixed in themixing station 165. In other embodiments, the mixing station 165 canhold containers (e.g., vials, beakers, etc.) in which substances arestored and/or mixed. A row 152 of 20 specimen processing stations canindependently process biological specimens.

In operation, a user can load slide carriers carrying specimen-bearingslides into the empty bays of the parking station 124 or 148 of FIG. 1Aand can load opposable carriers carrying opposables into a loadingstation 130. The slide carriers can be transferred to a reader (e.g., alabel reader, a barcode reader, etc.), not shown that reads labels, ifany, on the slides. The slide carriers can be delivered to theprocessing station 163 which can include, without limitation, a dryer(e.g., a dehydration unit), a heating unit (e.g., a baking module), orother component capable of removing water from the slides, heatingspecimens (e.g., heating specimens to adhere the specimens to theslides), or the like. In some embodiments, the processing station 163blows hot air over slides to dry the slides, and if the specimenscontain paraffin, the hot air can soften the paraffin to promoteadhesion of the specimens to the slides. An air system can partiallyrecirculate air to control the humidity in the processing station 163.Slide carriers can be picked up and transported from the processingstation 163 to another module (e.g., a specimen processing station, alabel reader, etc.) or returned to one of the bays of the parkingstation 124 or 148.

The specimen return mechanism 157 can load specimen-bearing slides intoa slide carrier. The loaded slide carriers can be transported to theparking station 124 or 148. If the slide carriers are compatible with anautomated coverslipper, a user can transport the slide carriers from theparking station 124 or 148 to an automated coverslipper forcoverslipping. Alternatively, the slides can be manually coverslipped.The coverslipped slides can be analyzed using optical equipment, e.g., amicroscope or other optical devices.

Transport of the specimen-bearing slides between various components ofthe automated specimen processing system 100 can be accomplished using aplurality of manifold assemblies configured to draw and sense a vacuumfrom a vacuum port on a slide holding surface when a slide is present.For example, FIG. 1B illustrates the slide holding surface 158 of thespecimen return mechanism 157 illustrated in FIG. 1A in accordance withan embodiment of the present technology. A microscope slide 243 isretained by the slide holding surface 158 via a vacuum drawn through avacuum port 159 disposed in the slide holding surface 158 (e.g., alignedwith a label region of the slide) and fluidly connected to a vacuumsystem 600. FIG. 1C is an isometric view of the vacuum system 600 shownin FIG. 1B in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

The vacuum system 600 can include a manifold 602 having one or morevalves 603 and fluidly coupled to a pressurization source 604 via afluid line 605. The manifold 602 can be configured to draw a vacuumthrough the vacuum port 159 (FIG. 1B) via fluid line 607. The vacuumsystem 600 can also include a sensor 608 configured to detect thepresence of a slide 243 on the slide holding surface 158 of the specimenreturn mechanism 157 (FIG. 1B). The sensor 608, for example, can begauged to sense a baseline pressure (e.g., vacuum draw through vacuumport 159 when no slide is present) and recognize an increase in thepressure as confirmation of the presence of a slide 243 on the slideholding surface 158. Positive detection of the presence of a slide 243by the sensor 608 can ensure that the automated steps do not progressuntil previously steps have been completed. In other embodiments,however, the sensor 608 can be configured along the fluid line 607and/or proximal to the vacuum port 159 for the detection of pressurechanges associated with the vacuum port 159. As described in more detailbelow, the processing station(s) 163, the slide ejector assembly 200, aswell as a slide transfer assembly 410 (not shown) that transfers slidesbetween stations can be provided with similar vacuum systems andsensors.

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a section of the row 152. An opposableelement 154 (“opposable 154”) can move substance along a slide 156 tocontact a specimen on the slide 156. In some embodiments, including theillustrated embodiment, 20 slides can be processed independently using aseries of substances.

If a specimen is a biological sample embedded in paraffin, the samplecan be deparaffinized using appropriate deparaffinizing fluid(s). Afterremoving the deparaffinizing fluid(s), any number of substances can besuccessively applied to the specimen using the opposable 154. Fluids canalso be applied for pretreatment (e.g., protein-crosslinking, exposingnucleic acids, etc.), denaturation, hybridization, washing (e.g.,stringency washing), detection (e.g., linking a visual or markermolecule to a probe), amplifying (e.g., amplifying proteins, genes,etc.), counterstaining, or the like. In various embodiments, thesubstances include, without limitation, stains (e.g., hematoxylinsolutions, eosin solutions, or the like), wetting agents, probes,antibodies (e.g., monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, etc.),antigen recovering fluids (e.g., aqueous- or non-aqueous-based antigenretrieval solutions, antigen recovering buffers, etc.), solvents (e.g.,alcohol, limonene, or the like), or the like. Stains include, withoutlimitation, dyes, hematoxylin stains, eosin stains, conjugates ofantibodies or nucleic acids with detectable labels such as haptens,enzymes or fluorescent moieties, or other types of substances forimparting color and/or for enhancing contrast.

A biological specimen can include one or more biological samples.Biological samples can be a tissue sample or samples (e.g., anycollection of cells) removed from a subject. The tissue sample can be acollection of interconnected cells that perform a similar functionwithin an organism. A biological sample can also be any solid or fluidsample obtained from, excreted by, or secreted by any living organism,including, without limitation, single-celled organisms, such asbacteria, yeast, protozoans, and amoebas, multicellular organisms (suchas plants or animals, including samples from a healthy or apparentlyhealthy human subject or a human patient affected by a condition ordisease to be diagnosed or investigated, such as cancer). In someembodiments, a biological sample is mountable on a microscope slide andincludes, without limitation, a section of tissue, an organ, a tumorsection, a smear, a frozen section, a cytology prep, or cell lines. Anincisional biopsy, a core biopsy, an excisional biopsy, a needleaspiration biopsy, a core needle biopsy, a stereotactic biopsy, an openbiopsy, or a surgical biopsy can be used to obtain the sample.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a slide carrier 170 loaded into a slide ejectorassembly 200 (“ejector assembly 200”). A plate 216 of FIG. 3 is shownremoved in FIG. 4. The ejector assembly 200 includes a slide carrierhandler 202 (“carrier handler 202”), a slide staging device 210(“staging device 210”), and an ejector 212. The carrier handler 202 caninclude a carrier receiver 220 (FIG. 4) and a receiver rotator device224 (FIG. 4). The carrier receiver 220 includes a pair of spaced apartarms 226 (e.g., elongate members, cantilevered members, etc.) upon whichthe slide carrier 170 can rest. The illustrated slide carrier 170 is aslide rack capable of holding microscope slides in a spaced-apartarrangement. One slide is shown in the carrier 170 of FIGS. 11 and 12.In some embodiments, the slide carrier 170 can be a basket, such as aSAKURA® basket or similar basket with shelves or dividers.

The carrier receiver 220 of FIG. 4 can include one or more grippers,clamps, retainers, or other components that releasably hold slidecarriers. The receiver rotator device 224 can include, withoutlimitation, one or more motors, actuation devices, or other componentscapable of rotating the arms 226. The arms 226 can move along an arcuatetrack, a pivoting mechanism, or the like to rotate the slide carrier170. The carrier handler 202 can further include a carriage 230 and arail 232. The carriage 230 can travel along the rail 232 to move theslide carrier 170 vertically.

Referring again to FIG. 3, a fully or partially loaded slide carrier canbe inserted between the plates 214, 216. The receiver rotator device 224(FIG. 4) can rotate the carrier receiver 220 from a loading position 213(FIG. 3) in which slides are held in a substantially verticalorientation to an intermediate position 215 (FIG. 5) in which slides areheld in a substantially horizontal orientation. The term “substantiallyhorizontal” generally refers to an angle within about +/−3 degrees ofhorizontal, for example, within about +/−1 degree of horizontal, such aswithin about +/−0.8 degrees of horizontal. The slide carrier 170 can bemoved vertically to an unloading position 217 (FIG. 6). The ejector 212can sequentially move the specimen-bearing slides to the staging device210. The staging device 210 can position the specimen-bearing slide forsubsequent transport, as discussed in connection with FIGS. 7-9.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are isometric views of the staging device 210 including astandby platform 240 and an alignment device 242. The standby platform240 can include a cantilevered plate 248, a slide holding region 250(“holding region 250”), and an over-travel inhibitor 254. In FIG. 7, aslide 243 is resting on the holding region 250, which can be a raisedregion that is smaller than the slide 243. The slide 243 can protrudeoutwardly from the holding region 250 such that excess fluid, if any,can drain from the slide 243 onto the plate 248 without wickingunderneath the slide 243 (e.g., between the slide 243 and a surface 361of FIG. 8). In some embodiments, the standby platform 240 can include,without limitation, one or more sensors, readers, heaters, dryers, orother components that facilitate processing of the slides.

Referring to FIG. 8, the over-travel inhibitor 254 can accuratelyposition a slide without physically contacting specimens on the slide,label edges, and/or other areas of the slide that may affect positioningaccuracy. In some embodiments, the over-travel inhibitor 254 canposition a slide without contacting the top of the slide at locations,for example, near overhanging labels, which can affect positioningaccuracy. The over-travel inhibitor 254 includes a vacuum port 290 and avacuum source 281 fluidically coupled to the vacuum port 290 via one ormore fluid lines 283 (e.g., internal fluid lines, external fluid lines,etc.). The vacuum source 281 can include, without limitation, one ormore pressurization devices, pumps, or other types of devices capable ofdrawing a vacuum via an opening 310. A bottom surface of the slide 243(FIG. 7) and a contact surface 300 of the vacuum port 290 can form aseal to maintain the vacuum. In some embodiments, the contact surface300 can comprise one or more compressible materials (e.g., rubber,silicon, or the like) capable of maintaining an airtight seal. In otherembodiments, the contact surface 300 can comprise one or morenon-compressible materials (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, etc.) and,in some embodiments, may include one or more sealing members (e.g.,O-rings, gaskets, sealing cups, etc.) used to form a seal with the slide243. In further embodiments and as discussed in more detail below, thecontact surface 300 and/or the vacuum port 290 can include a pressuresensor, a vacuum sensor, or other sensor for detecting the presence of aslide 243 on the standby platform 240.

The holding region 250 includes ends 320, 322 and a main body 328extending between the ends 320, 322. An ejector stop 314 is defined bythe end 320 and can be used to reference the position of an end of theslide 243. The ejector stop 314 can be a sidewall or edge of the end320. In other embodiments, the ejector stop can be one or moreprotrusions.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, the staging device210 includes the alignment device 242. In one embodiment, the alignmentdevice 242 includes a pair of generally parallel jaws 270, 272 thatprotrude upwardly through openings 277, 279, respectively, andvertically past the holding region 250. The alignment device 242 caninclude, without limitation, one or more actuators (e.g., pneumaticactuators, electromechanical actuators, etc.) capable of moving the jaws270, 272. The alignment device 242 can align the slide to facilitateslide pickup and handling because a transfer head may be unable toproperly pick up and handle a misaligned slide. In some embodiments, alabel of the slide can be spaced apart from the jaws 270, 272 to preventunwanted adherence of the slide to the jaws 270, 272. For example,adhesive (e.g., adhesive that couples the label to the slide), includingexcessive adhesive surrounding the label, can be kept spaced apart fromthe jaws 270, 272.

FIG. 9 shows a longitudinal axis 271 of the slide 243 in a misalignedposition. The longitudinal axis 271 is not parallel to a longitudinalaxis 273 of the holding region 250. The jaws 270, 272 can move from anopen position (FIG. 9) toward one another (indicated by arrows 280, 282)to a closed position (FIG. 10) so as to reposition the slide 243. Insome embodiments, the longitudinal axis 271 of the slide 243 in analigned position can be substantially aligned (e.g., parallel) with thelongitudinal axis 273 of the holding region 250. After aligning theslide 243, the jaws 270, 272 can be returned to the open position andthe slide 243, now aligned, can be picked up. The configuration andoperation of the alignment device 242 can be selected based on thedesired position of the aligned slide. Additionally, the alignmentdevice 242 can be used to align slides having different dimensionsbecause the jaws 270, 272 apply the same force to opposing sides of theslide.

FIGS. 11-13 show the ejector 212, which includes an ejector element 330,a base 334, and a drive mechanism 336. The ejector element 330 includesan elongate portion 340 positioned in a recess 341 in the base 334 and amounting portion 342 coupled to a rod 344 of the drive mechanism 336.The drive mechanism 336 can provide reciprocating linear motion and cancomprise, without limitation, one or more stopper motors, pistons (e.g.,pneumatic pistons, hydraulic pistons, etc.), pressurization devices(e.g., pumps, air compressors, etc.), sensors, or the like. Theillustrated rod 344 has been moved in the direction indicated by arrow350 to move the ejector element 330 from a first or initial position 351(illustrated in phantom line in FIG. 21) across a slide carrierreceiving gap 352 (“gap 352”) such that a head 360 of the elongateportion 340 pushes a slide onto the standby platform 240. The head 360can comprise a compliant material (e.g., rubber, plastic, etc.) to avoiddamaging the slides. In some embodiments, the head 360 can push theslide along the surface 361 (FIG. 8) of the holding region 250 until theslide is at the desired location. Slides can be removed from the slidecarrier 170 one at a time until the slide carrier 170 is empty.

Referring again to FIG. 1A, a user can load a slide carrier holdingspecimen-bearing slides into the parking station 124 or 148. A transfermechanism can transport the slide carrier to the ejector assembly 200.The transfer mechanism can include, without limitation, one or morerobotic handlers or arms, X-Y-Z transport systems, conveyors, or otherautomated mechanisms capable of carrying items between locations. Insome embodiments, the transfer mechanism includes one or more endeffectors, grippers, suction devices, holders, clamps, or othercomponents suitable for gripping the slide carrier.

The ejector assembly 200 moves the slide carrier 170 to the unloadingposition 217 (FIG. 6). The slide carrier 170 is moved vertically toindex slides relative to a reference position. The reference positioncan be a plane (e.g., a fixed slide removal plane 275 shown in FIG. 6)defining a slide removal position. A bottom of the slide to be removedcan be generally coplanar or slightly above the surface 361 (FIG. 8).The drive mechanism 336 can move the ejector element 330 horizontally tomove the elongate portion 340 (FIG. 19) through the carrier 170 to pushthe slide onto the surface 361 (FIG. 8). A vacuum can be drawn by theslide over-travel inhibitor 254 to inhibit movement of the slide 243 asthe head 360 contacts the ejector stop 314 (FIG. 8). In some embodimentsa sensor 284, such as a vacuum sensor, can be present along a vacuumfluid line 283 and/or associated with the over-travel inhibitor 254 topositively detect the presence of the slide 243. The head 360 can thenbe moved away from the slide 243. The jaws 270, 272 can be moved fromthe open position to the closed position to align the slide 243. Thealigned slide 243 can be retrieved and transported to a specimenprocessing station. The drive mechanism 336 can move the ejector element330 back and forth and the slides can be indexed to sequentially deliverall of the slides to the staging device 210.

To protect the specimens, the lowermost slide in the slide carrier 170can be ejected first. By starting with the lowermost slide, thespecimen(s) on the vertically adjacent slide can be facing away from thehead 360 and therefore protected. If the head 360 is verticallymisaligned with the slide to be removed, the head 360 may strike thebottom of the vertically adjacent slide without dislodging thespecimen(s) on the upper surface of the vertically adjacent slide. Afterremoving the lowermost slide, the lowermost slide left in the slidecarrier 170 can be removed. This process can be repeated until the slidecarrier 170 is empty. Other indexing sequences can be used to remove theslides.

The empty slide carrier 170 can be returned to the loading position(FIG. 3) and then transported to one of the bays of the parking station124 or 148. The empty slide carrier 170 can be removed from the parkingstation 124 or 148 and filled with specimen-bearing slides and returnedto the parking station 124 or 148. Alternatively, the empty slidecarrier 170 can be filled with processed specimen-bearing slides usingthe ejector assembly 200. A pusher assembly can be used to pushprocessed specimen-bearing slides on the staging device 210 into a slidecarrier. Thus, the ejector assembly 200 can be used to both unload andload slide carriers.

FIGS. 14-18 illustrate a staging device 210 a of a slide ejectorassembly 200 a configured in accordance with an additional embodiment ofthe present technology. FIGS. 14 and 15 are isometric views of thestaging device 210 a that includes features generally similar to thefeatures of the staging device 210 described above with reference toFIGS. 8-10. For example, the staging device 210 a includes a standbyplatform 240 a (similar to standby platform 240 shown in FIG. 8) havinga cantilevered plate 248 a, a slide holding region 250 a (“holdingregion 250 a”), and an over-travel inhibitor 254 a (similar toover-travel inhibitor 254 shown in FIG. 8). The staging device 210 aalso includes an alignment device 242 a configured to move the slide 243from a misaligned position on the standby platform 240 a to an alignedposition. However, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, thealignment device 242 a does not include a pair of generally paralleljaws 270, 272 (FIG. 8) that protrude upwardly through openings 277, 279(FIG. 8) in the standby platform 240 a.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the alignment device 242 aincludes a first aligning member 362 for engaging a first edge 244 ofthe slide 243 and a second aligning member 364 positioned opposite thefirst aligning member 362 for engaging a second edge 245 of the slide243. Engagement of the first and second sides 244, 245 of the slide 243can pivot or otherwise move the slide 243 from an unaligned orientationon the slide holding region 250 a to an aligned orientation on theholding region 250 a to facilitate slide pickup and handling by atransfer apparatus (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 15, the first and second aligning members 362, 364 aresecured to blocks 365, 366 by first and second fasteners 367, 368 (e.g.,pins, bolts, screws or other mechanical fasteners known to those in theart). For example, the blocks 365, 366 can include holes 369, 370 forreceiving the fasteners 367, 368, respectively. The blocks 365, 366 canfurther include one or more protrusions 371, 372 for allowing rotationor pivoting of the aligning members 362, 364 and for engaging the firstand second aligning members 362, 364, respectively, to limit rotation orpivoting of the aligning members 362, 364 with respect to the blocks365, 366 and/or during engagement with the slide 243 (described below).Openings 373, 374 (one identified) can be disposed in the aligningmembers 362, 364 for receiving the protrusions 371, 372. In otherembodiments, protrusions may be provided on the aligning members 362,364 that are receivable in openings provided in the blocks 365, 366. Insome embodiments, the protrusions 371, 372 may be non-circular having arectangular or other geometrical shape. The openings 373, 374 can beshaped to accommodate the corresponding geometrical shape of theprotrusions 371, 372, or as illustrated in FIG. 15, the openings 373,374 can be through-holes that receive the protrusions 371, 372.

The alignment device 242 a can include, without limitation, one or moreactuators (e.g., pneumatic actuators, electromechanical actuators, etc.)capable of moving the blocks 365, 366 having the aligning members 362,364 secured thereto toward and away from a longitudinal axis 273 a ofthe holding region 250 a (shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B). For example,FIGS. 16A and 16B are enlarged top views of the staging device 210 aillustrating stages in a process for aligning a longitudinal axis 271 aof the slide 243 with the longitudinal axis of 273 a of the holdingregion 250 a. FIG. 16A shows the longitudinal axis 271 a of the slide243 in a misaligned position. The longitudinal axis 271 a is notparallel to the longitudinal axis 273 a of the holding region 250 a. Thefirst and second aligning members 362, 364 can move from an openposition (FIG. 16A) toward one another (indicated by arrows 375, 376) toa closed position (FIG. 16B) where the aligning members 362, 364 engageor come in contact with the first and second sides 244, 245 of the slide243 to reposition the slide.

In one embodiment, the first and second aligning members 362, 364together contact the slide 243 at three separate points of contact. Inthe embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16B and 16C, the first aligningmember 362 has a first contact region 377 and a second contact region378 configured to engage the first edge 244 of the slide 243. Asillustrated in FIGS. 16B and 16D, the second aligning member 364 has athird contact region 379 configured to engage the second edge 245 of theslide 243. In one embodiment, the area of the point of contact is theportion of the slide 243 engaged by the first, second and third contactregions 377, 378, 379. In some arrangements, the points of contact arerelatively small, discrete portions of the slide 243 (e.g., along thefirst and second edges 244, 245). In some embodiments, the surface areasdefined by the three points of contact and engaged by the first, secondand third contact regions 377, 378, 379 are approximately the same;however, in other embodiments, the surface areas can vary. In oneembodiment, the third contact region 379 is configured to contact thesecond edge 245 of the slide 243 in a lateral position along the slide243 that is between the lateral positions contacted by the first contactregion 377 and second contact region 378 on the first edge 244 of theslide 243.

Referring to FIG. 16B, when the first and second contact regions 377,378 of the first aligning member 362 and the third contact region 379 ofthe second aligning member 364 engage the first and second sides 244,245 of the slide 243, respectively, the slide 243 can move (e.g., pivotabout a midpoint or axis of rotation 246 created or defined by the threeseparate contact points) to an aligned position. Movement of the firstand second alignment members 362, 364 via blocks 365, 366 can continueuntil the slide 243 is engaged by the first, second and third contactregions 377, 378 and 379 and the slide 243 no longer moves (e.g., comesto rest on the holding region 250 a in an aligned position). In someembodiments, the first and second aligning members 362, 364 may includeone or more pressure sensors 381 (FIGS. 16C and 16D) on or adjacent toone or more contact regions 377, 378, 379 to ensure that the aligningmembers 362, 364 are applying a sufficient amount of force to move theslide 243 and/or are not compressing the slide 243 in a manner thatcould break or compromise the slide. In some embodiments, the contactregions 377, 378, 379 may include a coating and/or a compliant material(e.g., rubber, plastic, etc.) to avoid damaging the slides.

While FIGS. 16A-16D show the first aligning member 362 having the firstcontact region 377 and the second contact region 378 and the secondaligning member 364 having the third contact region 379, or otherarrangements can be used. For example, the second aligning member 364can include two contact regions and the first aligning member 362 mayinclude one contact region. Further, while the aligning members 362, 364are illustrated as having an irregular shaped geometry for providingfirst, second and third contact regions 377, 378, 379, other geometriesmay be suitable for providing first, second and third contact regions.In other embodiments, the aligning members 362, 364 may provide morethan three separate (e.g., discrete) contact regions for engaging theslide 243.

Referring back to FIG. 16B, the longitudinal axis 271 a of the slide 243in an aligned position can be substantially aligned (e.g., parallel)with the longitudinal axis 273 a of the holding region 250 a. Afteraligning the slide 243, the aligning members 362, 364 can disengage theslide 243 and be returned to the open position by moving the blocks 365,366 in a direction opposite to the direction of the arrows 375, 376(FIG. 16A). Optionally, the staging device 210 a may include sensors 382or other signaling device for determining the presence of the slide 243on the standby platform 240 a and/or determining when the longitudinalaxis 271 a is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis 273 a(FIG. 16B). For example, the standby platform 240 a and/or the holdingregion 250 a may include position sensors, pressure sensors, lightsensors and the like for determining the relative position of the slide243 with respect to the holding region 250 a. Similar to theconfiguration and operation of the alignment device 242 (FIGS. 8-10),the alignment device 242 a can be configured to align slides havingdifferent dimensions and align them to a desired position on the standbyplatform 240 a.

After aligning the slide 243, the slide can be retrieved and transportedto a specimen processing station (not shown). FIGS. 17 and 18 illustratea portion of a transfer assembly 410 having a slide transfer head 412(“transfer head 412”) configured to pick up the aligned slide 243 fromthe standby platform 240 a while maintaining the proper alignment.Referring to FIG. 17, the transfer head 412 includes a plurality of headalignment features 413 (e.g., 2 head alignment features) on a lowersurface 415 of the transfer head 412. Head alignment features 413 caninclude, without limitation, pins (e.g., elongate rods), protrusions,openings (e.g., openings defined by bushings, openings in plates, etc.),or the like. In some embodiments, the head alignment features 413 can bein the form of alignment pins (e.g., first and second alignment pins)that can be inserted into corresponding alignment features 414 (shownindividually as 414 a and 414 b) on the staging device 210 a (e.g., oncantilevered plate 248 a), illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 25. In otherembodiments, the head alignment features 413 are openings and thecorresponding alignment features 414 are upwardly protruding pins. Insome embodiments, the transfer head 412 can be a floating head (e.g., afloating head is an alignment head that does not contact the stagingdevice 210 a while the alignment features 413 may) to limit or preventbinding between the head alignment features 413 and the correspondingalignment features 414. In some embodiments, the transfer head 412and/or the staging device 210 a can include position sensors (not shown)to ensure proper alignment of the head alignment features 413 withrespect to the corresponding alignment features 414.

The transfer head 412 can also include one or more capture features 416.The capture feature 416 can include, without limitation, one or moresuction devices (e.g., suction cups, pumps, vacuum pumps, etc.),mechanical grippers (e.g., jaws, clamps, pinchers, magnets, etc.), orother retention features that, for example, prevent dropping and/ortransferring the slide 243 in a misaligned state. For example, thetransfer head 412 can include a vacuum port 417 on the lower surface415. A vacuum source 418 can provide suction at the vacuum port 417 viasupply line 419 that is capable of picking up the slide 243 from thestaging device 210 a and holding the slide during further transport. Thevacuum provided by vacuum source 418 can be reduced and/or eliminated torelease the slide 243 following transfer. Sensors 405 (e.g., pressuresensors, air pressure sensors, light sensors, etc.) can be provided onthe lower surface 415 and/or within the vacuum port 417, the vacuumsource 418 and/or the supply line 419 that detect the presence of aslide 243 retained by the transfer head 412. In some embodiments, thecontroller 144 (FIG. 1A) can detect changes in pressure associated withthe vacuum source 418 and/or vacuum port 417 via the sensor 405 anddetect changes in pressure associated with the vacuum source 281 and/orvacuum port 290 (FIG. 8) via the sensor 403 associated with theover-travel inhibitor 254 a. In one embodiment, vacuum pressure at theover traveler inhibitor 254 a can be reduced by the controller when thesensor 405 indicates positive detection (and increased pressure) of theslide 243 at the vacuum port 417 on the transfer head 412.

In one embodiment, the sensor 405 can be a vacuum sensor that can senseand confirm slide engagement with the transfer head 412. For example, avacuum sensor gauge can be pre-calibrated to a baseline pressure andfurther calibrated to sense an increase in vacuum pressure when a slide243 is engaged. Confirmation of slide engagement by the sensor 405 cancause further programming instruction in the controller 144 (FIG. 1A) tocontinue with a next step of transporting the slide 243.

FIG. 17 shows the transfer head 412 in a non-engaged position above thestaging device 210 a during an alignment phase of the slide transfer.The head alignment feature 413 is shown aligned with the correspondingalignment feature 414 a. FIG. 18 shows the transfer head 412 lowered(e.g., via a drive mechanism, not shown) in an engaged position abovethe staging device 210 a. The head alignment feature 413 (e.g., pin) isshown received within the opening of the corresponding alignment feature414 a. The vacuum port 417 is shown engaged with an upper surface 247 ofthe slide 243 (e.g., a label of the slide 243) such that when the vacuumsource 418 is activated (e.g., by controller 144 of FIGS. 1 and 1A) andthe over-travel inhibitor 254 a associated with standby platform 240 ais disengaged (e.g., vacuum provided by stage vacuum source 281 a isreduced and/or eliminated), the slide 243 can be picked up by thetransfer head 412. The slide 243 can be removed from the staging device210 a as the transfer head 412 is lifted to the non-engaged positionabove the staging device 210 a. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the headalignment features 413 align with the corresponding alignment features414 such that the slide 243 can be maintained in the aligned positionduring slide pickup. After removing the slide 243 from the stagingdevice 210 a, the transfer head 414 can transport the slide 243 to thespecimen processing station (not shown).

FIG. 18A is an isometric view of the staging device 210 and a transferassembly 431 with a transfer head 432 in accordance with an embodimentof the disclosed technology.

The transfer head 432 can include head alignment features 435 that canbe aligned with corresponding alignment features 414. The transfer head432 can include, without limitation, one or more joints, pins, or otherfeatures that allow desired motion. For example, the transfer head 432can be a spring-loaded floating head with full rotationalmaneuverability, and a confirmatory sensor (e.g., vacuum sensor) coupledto the underside of the transfer head 432 to ensure reliable handling(e.g., pick-up, transport, drop-off, etc.) despite potentialmisalignment while handling.

FIG. 18B is an isometric view of a specimen processing station 441(e.g., a wetting module) and the transfer assembly 431 in accordancewith an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The floating transferhead 432 repeatedly picks up and drops off items (e.g., opposableelements, slides), and the head alignment features 435 can engagecorresponding alignment features 445 to provide alignment.

FIG. 18C is an isometric view of the transfer assembly 431 in accordancewith an embodiment of the disclosed technology. The transfer assembly431 is generally similar to the transfer assembly 410 of FIGS. 17 and18, except as detailed below. The transfer head 432 can include a vacuumport 461 on the lower surface 463. A vacuum source (not shown) canprovide suction at the vacuum port 461 via supply line to pick up theslide and hold the slide during further transport, as discussed inconnection with FIGS. 17 and 18. Sensors (e.g., pressure sensors, airpressure sensors, light sensors, etc.) can be provided on the lowersurface 463 and/or within the vacuum port 461, the vacuum source, and/orthe supply line and can detect the presence of a slide retained bymovable arms or jaws 471, 473 (e.g., spring loaded jaws) of the transferhead 432. The arms 471, 473 can be moved to pick up and release items(e.g., slides, opposable elements, etc.). Successful handoff/pickup canbe confirmed with dual interface vacuum sensors that preclude thetransfer assembly 431 from moving on before it has successfully pickedup and/or dropped off the slide (or opposable element).

In one embodiment, the floating head 432 has a gimbal on three axes(e.g., axes parallel to the illustrated X, Y and Z axes shown in FIG.18A). In one embodiment, the head 432 has five degrees of freedom tomove freely such that the alignment features 435 readily engagecorresponding alignment features (e.g., corresponding alignment features414 of FIG. 18A and corresponding alignment features 445 of FIG. 8B) onthe platforms of the slide ejector departure, slide processing stationand specimen return assemblies, or the like.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a method 1000 for transferring aspecimen slide using the specimen processing system 100 described aboveand with reference to FIGS. 19-26. With reference to FIGS. 11-19together, the method 1000 can include moving a specimen slide 243 from aslide carrier 170 (FIG. 6) to the standby platform 240 a of the stagingdevice 210 a (block 1002). The slide 243 can be moved using the ejector212 by engaging the ejector element with the slide 243 to push the slideonto the slide holding region 250 a of the standby platform 240 a. Themethod 1000 can also include drawing a vacuum through the over-travelinhibitor 254 a to stop forward movement of the slide 243 on the slideholding region 250 a (block 1004). The method 1000 can further includedetecting the presence of the slide 243 on the holding region 250 a(block 1006). In some embodiments, the presence of the slide 243 can bedetected by the controller 144 by changes in the vacuum suction of theover-travel inhibitor 254 a. For example, sensors 403 (FIGS. 17 and 18)can be provided to detect the change in pressure within the vacuum port290, fluid lines 283 and/or vacuum source 281 (see FIG. 8). In otherembodiments, the presence of the slide on the standby platform 240 a canbe detected using other sensors 382 (e.g., pressure sensors, lightsensors, motion sensors, etc.). For example, the standby platform 240 acan include one more sensors 382 (e.g., position sensors, pressuresensors, light sensors) for detecting the presence of the slide 243. Themethod 1000 can also include aligning the slide 243 from a misalignedposition to an aligned position (block 1008). For example, an actuatorcan move aligning members 362, 364 toward the slide 243 such that first,second and third contact regions 377, 378, 379 engage the slide to movethe slide to the aligned position. Following alignment of the slide 243,the actuator can move the aligning members 362, 364 back to a startingposition and away from the aligned slide. The method 1000 can furtherinclude transporting the slide 243 from the standby platform 240 a to,for example, a specimen processing station while maintaining alignmentof the slide (block 1010). For example, a transfer assembly 410 having atransfer head 412 can be aligned with the standby platform 240 a viaalignment of the head alignment features 413 on the transfer head 412with corresponding alignment features 414 on the standby platform 240 a.The transfer head 412 can be configured to engage, pick up and transportthe slide 243 with the capture feature 416. In one embodiment, thecapture feature 416 can use a vacuum provided by the vacuum source 418via the vacuum port 417. Positive detection of the presence of the slide243 can be confirmed by a change in vacuum pressure reported by sensor405 to the controller 144.

FIG. 20 shows a transport assembly 420 and a specimen processing stationin the form of a slide processing station. The transport assembly 420can include, without limitation, a drive mechanism 434 (e.g., a rackdrive mechanism, a belt drive mechanism, etc.) and a lift mechanism 440.The drive mechanism 434 can move the lift mechanism 440 horizontally, asindicated by arrows 450, 452. The lift mechanism 440 can move endeffectors in the form of transfer heads 454, 456 vertically, asindicated by arrows 462, 464. The transfer heads can include, withoutlimitation, one or more suction devices (e.g., suction cups, pumps,vacuum pumps, etc.), mechanical grippers (e.g., jaws, clamps, etc.),retention features (e.g., features that prevent dropping ofslides/opposables), or the like. For example, the transfer head 454 canbe a pickup head (e.g., a rotatable or floating pickup head) capable ofpicking up and holding an opposable 457 via a vacuum. The vacuum can bereduced (e.g., eliminated) to release the opposable 457. Additionally oralternatively, a mechanical gripper can hold the opposable 457.

FIG. 21 shows the transfer heads 454, 456 delivering the opposable 457and slide 458, respectively, to the wetting module 430. The transferhead 456 includes head alignment features 490, 492 receivable bycomplementary alignment features 500, 502 (FIG. 20) of the standbyplatform 240 and/or alignment features 510, 512 (FIG. 30) of the wettingmodule 430. Alignment features can include, without limitation, pins(e.g., elongate rods), protrusions, openings (e.g., openings defined bybushings, openings in plates, etc.), or the like. In some embodiments,the alignment features 490, 492 are in the form of pins that can beinserted into corresponding alignment features 510, 512 in the form ofopenings to align the slide 243 with the wetting module 430. Thetransfer head 456 can be a floating head to limit or prevent bindingbetween the alignment features 490, 492 and the alignment features 510,512, respectively. In other embodiments, the alignment features 490, 492are openings and the alignment features 510, 512 are upwardly protrudingpins.

After removing the processed slide 243, the transfer head 456 cantransport an unprocessed slide 458 from a staging device to the wettingmodule 430. The alignment features 490, 492 can be positioned above thealignment features 510, 512, and the transfer head 456 can be lowered toinsert the alignment features 490, 492 into the alignment features 510,512, respectively, until the slide 458 rests on the wetting module 430.The transfer head 456 can release the slide 458. After processing thespecimen, the transfer head 456 can retrieve and load another slide intothe wetting module 430. The slides can be retained at the wetting module430 to prevent damage to the slide in the event of a power outage orother event that may affect system performance.

FIGS. 22A and 22B are isometric views of the slide holder platen 601 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The slideholder platen 601 of FIG. 22A supports the slide 243. The slide holderplaten 601 of FIG. 22B is empty. The slide holder platen 601 can includea support element 650 and a mounting base 651. The support element 650includes a raised slide receiving region 680 having a contact or contactsurface 679 (FIG. 22B). A port 683 (FIG. 22B) is positioned to draw avacuum to hold the slide 243 against the contact surface 679. The port683 can be a suction cup or other feature configured to facilitatedrawing a strong vacuum between the slide 243 against the contactsurface 679. In one embodiment, one or more of the sensors 620 a/620 bcan be configured to detect a change in pressure at the port 683indicating the presence of the slide 243 at the contact surface 679. Forexample, the sensor(s) 620 can be calibrated at a baseline pressure(e.g., the pressure at the port 683 when no slide is present) and befurther calibrated to detect an increase in pressure at the port 683.The increase in pressure sensed at port 683 can positively detect thepresence of the slide 243 at the contact surface 679. In anotherembodiment, a sensor (not shown) can be positioned proximal to the port683 and configured to detect relative changes in pressure associatedwith the port 683 for detection of the slide 243 at the contact surface679.

The support element 650 includes inner walls 681 positioned in outerwalls 652 of the mounting base 651. The inner and outer walls 681, 652form heatable sidewalls 682. In some embodiments, the sidewalls 682 canbe positioned on both sides of the contact surface 679 and can outputheat energy to the surrounding air to control the temperature of theslide 243, processing fluid, and/or specimen(s). In some embodiments,the sidewalls 682 can also be positioned to laterally surround theentire slide 243. The mounting base 651 can be made of an insulatingmaterial (e.g., plastic, rubber, polymers, or the like) that caninsulate the support element 650 from other components. In someembodiments, the mounting base 651 is made of a material with a thermalconductivity that is substantially less than the thermal conductivity ofthe material of the support element 650. The mounting base 651 cansurround and protect the support element 650 and includes a couplingregion 657 to which the opposable actuator 525 can be coupled.

FIGS. 23 and 24 are perspective and top views, respectively, of anotherembodiment of a slide holder platen 701 shown with a slide 243 andconfigured in accordance with the present technology. FIG. 25 is aperspective view of the slide holder platen 701 without a slide 243.Referring to FIGS. 23-25, the slide holder platen 701 is generallyidentical to the slide holder platen 601 discussed above in connectionwith FIGS. 22A-22B, except as detailed below. The slide holder platen701 can include a support element 703, a sealing member 709, and avacuum port 721. The support element 703 includes a raisedslide-receiving region 707, and the sealing member 709 is configured toengage a bottom surface of the slide 243 as the slide is placed on theslide-receiving region 707. The sealing member 709 can be positionedaround the vacuum port 721 such that, when the slide 243 engages thesealing member 709, a vacuum is drawn via the vacuum port 721 to pullthe slide 243 against the sealing member 709 to maintain a seal (e.g.,an airtight seal) and prevent or limit unwanted movement (e.g.,rotational movement and/or translational movement as indicated by arrows801 a-b and 799 a-b, respectively, in FIG. 24) of the slide 243 relativethe slide-receiving region 707.

Referring now to FIG. 25, the slide-receiving region 707 can have afirst portion 733 and a second portion 735 disposed within an opening745 of the first portion 733. The vacuum port 721 can be disposed at atop surface 735 a of the second portion 735 at a generally centrallocation. The vacuum port 721 can be fluidically coupled to a vacuumsource 717 via one or more fluid lines 719 (e.g., internal fluid lines,external fluid lines, etc.). For example, the fluid line(s) 719 canextend from an opening 705 at the top surface 735 a through the secondportion 735 to the vacuum source 717. The vacuum source 717 can include,without limitation, one or more pressurization devices, pumps, or othertypes of devices capable of drawing a vacuum via the opening 705. Insome embodiments, a vacuum pressure sensor 759 can be provided at thevacuum port 721, the vacuum source 717 or along the fluid line(s) 719,as shown in FIG. 27. As shown in FIG. 24, when the slide 243 ispositioned on the slide-receiving region 707, the specimen-bearingportion 729 of the slide 243 is generally aligned with the first portion733, and the label-bearing portion 723 of the slide 243 is generallyaligned with the second portion 735. As such, a vacuum generated by thevacuum port 721 can be localized to the label-bearing portion 723 of theslide 243 to avoid disrupting thermal processing of the specimen-bearingportion 729.

The second portion 735 and opening 745 can individually have a non-roundshape (as viewed from above). As used herein, “non-round” refers to anyshape other than a true circle (i.e., a shape having a substantiallyconstant radius at every point around its perimeter). For example, insome embodiments the second portion 735 and/or opening 745 can have arectangular shape with rounded corners. In other embodiments, the secondportion 735 and/or opening 745 can have any non-round shape, size,and/or configuration, such as a rounded-corner polygonal shape, apolygonal shape, an oval, an ellipse, and the like. In some embodiments(including the illustrated embodiment), the second portion 735 and theopening 745 can have generally the same non-round shape, and in someembodiments the second portion 735 and the opening 745 can havedifferent non-round shapes.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional side view of the platen 701 as a slide 243is being positioned on the slide-receiving region 707 but before abackside 243 a of the slide 243 has made contact with the sealing member709 in an uncompressed state. As shown in FIG. 26, at least a portion ofthe main body 747 is in contact with the inner sidewall 741, outersidewall 739, and floor portion 743 of the trench 737. The lip 749 isspaced apart from the outer sidewall 739 of the trench 737 and extendsupwardly out of the trench 737 beyond the top surface 733 a of the firstportion 733. The lip 749 can also extends upwardly out of the trench 737beyond the horizontal plane (imaginary plane) defined by the top surface733 a. For example, the lip 749 can extend a distance 753 from the topsurface 733 a. As such, the lip 749 is configured to engage the backsidesurface 243 a of the slide 243 before the backside surface 243 acontacts the top surface 733 a of the first portion 733. This way, thesealing member 709 absorbs the contact forces associated with theplacement of the slide 243 on the slide-receiving region 707, thuseasing the transition of the slide 243 onto the slide-receiving region707.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of the platen 701 after the slide243 has been positioned on the slide-receiving region 707 (e.g., thesealing member 709 is in the compressed state), and FIG. 28 is anenlarged view of a portion of FIG. 27. As shown in FIG. 27, the backsidesurface 243 a of the slide 243 contacts the lip 749 of the sealingmember 709 as well as the top surface 733 a of the first portion 733.Because of the height differential between the first and second portions733, 735, the backside surface 243 a of the slide 243 is separated fromthe top surface 735 a of the second portion 735 by a distance 781 (seeFIG. 28). As such, the pressurized port 721 is positioned below andspaced apart from the backside 243 a of the slide 243 such that the topsurface 735 a of the second portion 735 and the backside surface 243 aof the slide 243 at least partially define a vacuum chamber 757. Forexample, when the vacuum source is activated, fluid and/or air betweenthe backside 243 a of the slide 243, a portion of the sealing member 709(e.g., lip 749 and/or exterior surface 761 of the main body 747), theinner sidewall 741, and/or the top surface 735 a of the second portion735 is drawn through the vacuum port 721 (as indicated by arrows 755).As a result, the slide 243 is pulled against the sealing member 709,thereby forming a seal. The seal secures the positioning of the slide243 relative to the support element 703 and substantially eliminatesunwanted rotation and/or translation of the slide 243.

The lip 749 can be movable between the uncompressed configuration andthe compressed configuration without contacting the outer sidewall 739of the trench 737. As best shown in FIG. 28, even in the compressedconfiguration, a gap 771 can remain between the sealing member lip 749and the outer sidewall 739 of the trench 737. For example, the lip 749can be configured to deflect primarily in a direction perpendicular tothe backside surface 243 a of the slide 243. The lip 749 can besufficiently stiff to prevent any rotation of the slide 243 about avertical axis. As such, the slide 243 can rotationally fixed relative tothe support surface. Although (in the compressed state) the lip 749 canbe separated from the outer sidewall 739, the lip 749 is configured tophysically contact the sidewall(s) of the trench 737 to inhibit movementof the slide 243 relative to the support element 703. For example, asshown in FIG. 56, the lip 749 or other portion of the sealing member 709can be configured to physically contact the outer sidewall 739 of thetrench 737 when the slide 243 is rotated about its vertical axis (e.g.,at least about 2 degrees). Because of the non-round shape of both thesealing member 709 and the opening 745 in the first portion 733, theouter sidewalls 747 of the trench 737 limit rotation of the sealingmember 709 (e.g., by exerting a contact force CF) and thus the slide743.

The slide holder platen 701 can include additional features. Forexample, the slide holder platen 701 can include one or more sensors 759(FIG. 27) to detect the presence of the slide 243 and/or activate thevacuum source 717. In some embodiments, the slide holder platen 701 caninclude one or more sensors to monitor the pressure generated within thevacuum chamber 757. In particular embodiments, the slide holder platen701 can be in communication with a controller that can control thetiming and/or magnitude of the vacuum source 717. In one embodiment, thesensor 759 can be configured to detect a change in vacuum pressure aswould occur when the slide 243 engages the sealing member 709 and thevacuum is drawn via the vacuum port 721 to pull the slide 243 againstthe sealing member 709 to maintain a seal (e.g., an airtight seal).Accordingly, the sensor 759 can detect the presence of the slide 243 atthe slide holder platen 701.

The various embodiments described above can be combined to providefurther embodiments. These and other changes can be made to theembodiments in light of the above-detailed description. For example, aseal element can have a one-piece or multi-piece construction and caninclude any number of retention features. In general, in the followingclaims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims tothe specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims,but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along withthe full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An automated specimen processing system,comprising: (a) a standby platform configured to receive a microscopeslide, wherein the standby platform comprises: (i) a support elementhaving a support surface, (ii) an over-travel inhibitor comprising: afirst vacuum port, a first presence sensor for detecting a presence ofthe microscope slide on the standby platform, and a non-compressiblecontact surface, wherein the non-compressible contact surface comprisesat least one compressible sealing member within or disposed on thenon-compressible contact surface, and wherein the vacuum port isfluidically coupled to a first vacuum assembly including a first vacuumsource such that when the first vacuum source is activated air is drawnthrough the first vacuum port and the microscope slide is pulled againstthe at least one compressible sealing member to form a seal between thebottom surface of the microscope slide and the at least one compressiblesealing member; and (b) one or more slide processing stations; (c) atransfer head configured to transport microscope slides from the standbyplatform to the one or more slide processing stations, wherein thetransfer head does not directly contact the standby platform, andwherein the transfer head comprises: a second vacuum port positioned todraw a vacuum between the microscope slide and the transfer head so asto hold the microscope slide, and wherein the second vacuum port isfluidically coupled to a second vacuum assembly including a secondvacuum source; a second presence sensor for detecting a presence of themicroscope slide at a bottom surface of the transfer head; wherein thetransfer head further comprises head alignment features which engagealignment features present on the standby platform, and wherein thestandby platform comprises a position sensor for determining a positionof the microscope slide on the standby platform and for determiningalignment of the head alignment features of the transfer head with thealignment features present on the standby platform; and (d) a controllerin communication with the first and second vacuum assemblies.
 2. Theautomated specimen processing system of claim 1, wherein the transferhead is a spring-loaded transfer head with full rotationalmaneuverability, wherein the transfer head comprises movable arms orjaws for retaining the microscope slide.
 3. The automated specimenprocessing system of claim 2, wherein the controller is programmed toreduce a pressure of a vacuum drawn through the first vacuum port whenthe first presence sensor indicates slide detection.
 4. The automatedspecimen processing system of claim 3, wherein the first and secondpresence sensors are calibrated to a baseline pressure, and wherein thecontroller receives a slide detection signal from the first or secondpresence sensor when the first or second presence sensor detects ahigher pressure than the baseline pressure.
 5. The automated specimenprocessing system of claim 1, wherein the automated specimen processingsystem further comprises a specimen return mechanism, wherein thespecimen return mechanism is configured to load the microscope slideinto a slide carrier.
 6. The automated specimen processing system ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more slide processing stations comprises athird vacuum port and a third presence sensor, wherein the third vacuumport is fluidically coupled to a third vacuum assembly including a thirdvacuum source.
 7. The automated specimen processing system of claim 2,wherein the head alignment features comprise one or more alignment pins.8. The automated specimen processing assembly of claim 7, wherein thealignment features present on the standby platform comprise one or moreopenings for receiving the one or more alignment pins.
 9. The automatedspecimen processing system of claim 1, wherein the standby platformfurther comprises an alignment device.
 10. The automated specimenprocessing system of claim 9, wherein the alignment device comprises apair of movable jaws.
 11. The automated specimen processing system ofclaim 9, wherein the alignment device comprises a first aligning memberfor engaging a first edge of the microscope slide and a second aligningmember for engaging a second edge of the microscope slide, wherein thefirst and second aligning members are positioned opposite one another.12. The automated specimen processing system of claim 1, wherein themicroscope slide contacts both the non-compressible contact surface andthe compressible sealing member after activation of the vacuum source.13. An automated specimen processing system, comprising: (a) a standbyplatform configured to receive a microscope slide, wherein the standbyplatform comprises: a support element having a support surface, and anover-travel inhibitor comprising a first vacuum port, a first presencesensor for detecting a presence of the microscope slide on the standbyplatform, and a non-compressible contact surface, wherein thenon-compressible contact surface comprises first and second compressiblesealing members movable between a compressed state and a non-compressedstate, and wherein the vacuum port is fluidically coupled to a firstvacuum assembly including a first vacuum source such that when the firstvacuum source is activated air is drawn through the first vacuum portand the microscope slide is pulled against the first and second sealingmembers to form a seal with the bottom surface of the microscope slide;and an alignment device for moving the microscope slide from amisaligned position to an aligned position, wherein the alignment devicecomprises a pair of generally parallel jaws and wherein the pair ofgenerally parallel jaws are communicatively coupled to one or moreactuators which move the pair of generally parallel jaws toward eachother from an open position to a closed position to align the microscopeslide; (b) a transfer head configured to transport microscope slidesfrom the standby platform to one or more slide processing stations,wherein the transfer head does not directly contact the standbyplatform, and wherein the transfer head comprises: a second vacuum portpositioned to draw a vacuum between the microscope slide and thetransfer head so as to hold the microscope slide, wherein the vacuumport is fluidically coupled to a vacuum source; and a second presencesensor for detecting a presence of the microscope slide; and (c) acontroller in communication with the first and second vacuum assemblies.14. The automated specimen processing system of claim 13, wherein thecontact surface comprises a compressible sealing member used to form aseal with the bottom surface of the microscope slide.
 15. The automatedspecimen processing system of claim 13, wherein the transfer head is aspring-loaded transfer head with full rotational maneuverability, andwherein the transfer head comprises one or more movable arms or jaws forretaining the microscope slide, and head alignment features which engagealignment features present on the standby platform to align the transferhead with the standby platform.
 16. The automated specimen processingsystem of claim 13, wherein the standby platform further comprises afirst position sensor for determining a position of the microscope slideon the standby platform.
 17. The automated specimen processing system ofclaim 13, wherein the alignment device comprises a pair of jaws, whereinat least one jaw of the pair of jaws is movable.
 18. The automatedspecimen processing system of claim 13, wherein the alignment devicecomprises a first aligning member for engaging a first edge of themicroscope slide and a second aligning member for engaging a second edgeof the microscope slide, wherein the first and second aligning membersare positioned opposite one another.
 19. The automated specimenprocessing system of claim 13, wherein each jaw of the pair of generallyparallel jaws applies a same force to opposing sides of the microscopeslide.